Warwick Valley School District teachers listen intently as they learn about Google apps and how to use them in their classrooms.

WARWICK — This summer, school may be out for students, but not for the more than 160 Warwick Valley School District faculty members who attended “Google Academy,” an in-district professional development training workshop where they learned about the use of Google applications.

As part of a district initiative, a comprehensive plan for all teachers and students to be trained in the use of Google apps will allow collaboration within and beyond the walls of our schools.

Google Academy training sessions focused on the suite of Google apps that work together and includes features for classroom management, assignment and grades record keeping and communication enhancement.

Though many American school districts are now using Google applications, the Warwick School District is also following through with training to ensure that teachers are trained to use the technology effectively.

Google Academy faculty workshops were led by a team of district technology leaders: Dianne Connolly, Jennifer Cronk, Paul Garafano, Yvonne Koulikov and James Yap.

“Cloud based” technology has brought a significant shift to the world of education, providing valuable opportunities for collaborating and sharing—at any time, from any location, between teacher and student; teacher and teacher; teacher and parent; teacher and administrator; and teacher and community member.

Increase in technologyThis year, Warwick schools will see a significant increase in the use of instructional technology:

The district’s inventory of computer tablets and Chromebooks has grown, and all students will receive Google apps training.

Since secondary students will be encouraged to bring their own devices to school, the Warwick Board of Education updated the district’s technology “acceptable use” policy. The policy states that all use of technology must be for instructional use only, and that teachers have the right to decide where and when the use of technology in school is acceptable.

At Back to School nights and many other opportunities, teachers and administrators will be able to share technology updates with parents, and explain how students are using Google apps for their school work and interactions with teachers and fellow students.

The Parent Resources web page on the WVCSD website (www.warwickvalleyschools.com) has been updated to provide helpful technology resources specific to grade levels in each building.

This story and photographs were provided by Louise Hutchison, a communications specialist for the Warwick Valley School District.